Independent Living Resources

12/29/2025

📢 Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) News & Updates

The Becoming Hearing Empowered book study group is back by popular demand!

✅ What is it?
Join a virtual book discussion with author Katherine Ryback and a small group of participants. This is a great opportunity to explore the book Becoming Hearing Empowered and connect with others.

📅 Dates & Times:
Session 1: January 7–January 28, 2026
Session 2: February 18–March 11, 2026
Time: Wednesdays, 6:00–7:30 PM (Central)
📍 Location: Zoom

📌 Important:
Register by January 1, 2026 to ensure you receive your book before the first session!

For questions or help with registration:
📧 Email: dhsodhhbhi@dhs.wisconsin.gov
📞 Call: 608-234-2046

Link to Register:

Join Behavioral Health Initiative's book study group, facilitated by the author of the book. This group will meet weekly on Wednesday evenings (6:00-7:30pm) for 8 sessions: Jan 7, Jan 14, Jan 21, Jan 28, (SKIP Feb 4 and 11), Feb 18, Feb 25, Mar 4, Mar 11, 2026 Location: Virtually on ZOOM

12/19/2025

✨ Holiday Schedule Update ✨

We’re spreading holiday cheer and want to keep you informed!

Doors will be locked starting December 19, 2025, and will reopen January 5, 2026.
But don’t worry — we’re still OPEN for business! Just ring the doorbell, and we’ll be happy to help.

Holiday Closures:
December 24–26, 2025
January 1, 2026

Wishing you and your loved ones the happiest of holidays and a joyful New Year! 🎉

12/10/2025

❄️ Snow Shoveling Safety Tips ❄️
Winter weather is here, and many of us will be clearing snow in the coming days. At , ILR we empower people of all abilities to stay safe and independent—so let’s talk about smart shoveling!

✅ Get Ready Before You Start
Hydrate with plenty of water
Stretch your arms, shoulders, back, and legs
Know your limits—don’t push beyond them

✅ Prevent Slips and Falls
Check for icy spots and treat them right away

✅ Use Proper Technique
Push snow instead of lifting when possible
If lifting, bend your knees, keep feet wide, and maintain a neutral back
Keep arms close to your body for power and stability
Avoid twisting—move your feet with your torso

✅ Work Smart
Pace yourself and take breaks
Stop if you feel tired or overheated

12/06/2025

Today until 1pm we'll be at Crossing Rivers Health and Crawford County ADRC - Prairie du Chien Office Livin' Well Wellness Fair! Spreading holiday cheer and information about ILR's services!

11/25/2025

💜 November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month! 💜
Epilepsy affects 1 in 26 people during their lifetime, and awareness can save lives. Let's spread some knowledge and support those living with epilepsy.

✅ Learn Seizure First Aid:
Stay calm and time the seizure
Keep the person safe by moving harmful objects away
Do NOT put anything in their mouth
Call 911 if the seizure lasts more than 5 minutes or if it’s their first seizure

👉Sign up for an Epilepsy First Aid Class:
https://www.epilepsy.com/recognition/first-aid-resources

Learn more:
👉 https://www.epilepsy.com/volunteer/spreading-awareness/national-epilepsy-awareness-month

11/24/2025

Holiday Schedule Update

Our doors will be locked November 24–26, 2025, but we are open for business! Just ring the doorbell, and we’ll be happy to assist
you.

Please note-we are closed the following days:
Closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov 27)
Closed on Friday, Nov 28

Thank you for your understanding, and we wish you a wonderful holiday season! 🦃✨

11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day!

Today we honor and thank all who have served our country. Your courage and dedication inspire us every day.

We are open today and available for walk ins and phone calls.

11/06/2025

November is Assistive Technology Awareness Month, a great time to learn more about how assistive technology supports people with disabilities. Many people use various types of assistive technology to write, type, learn, communicate, move, hear, and much more. Under the ADA’s reasonable accommodation and modification requirements, employers, government entities, and public accommodations must provide or allow people with disabilities to use assistive technology to access and participate in different activities and services.

But what exactly is assistive technology? Does it only refer to high-tech or computerized tools? Who benefits from assistive technology?

To learn more about the basics of assistive technology, check out this resource from the Assistive Technology Industry Association (ATIA): bit.ly/assistive-tech-atia.

11/06/2025

Action Alert: Public Hearing on DVR Funding Shortage

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m. to gather input on its proposed plan to address a severe funding shortage. The plan includes implementing waiting lists for services.

What is DVR?
DVR helps people with disabilities find, obtain, and maintain employment. The current two-year state budget did not allocate enough funds to meet demand. Wisconsin needs $4.6 million more to fully fund DVR and access the maximum federal match, which would bring in over $20 million for the program.

Why this matters:
Demand for DVR services has grown by 20% in the past four years.
DVR plans to create a waiting list for new applicants and those without an approved Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE).
DVR has not had a waiting list in over a decade. New applicants may wait six months for services.
DVR receives about 1,200 new applications per month, 1,000 of which are from individuals with significant disabilities.

Questions you can ask at the hearing:
Why is DVR putting a wait on all new applications instead of prioritizing those with the most significant disabilities?
Can DVR get more money from the state to avoid delays?
Has DVR asked the Governor or Legislature for extra funding?
What happens if DVR doesn’t get more money?
Will services or plans change due to the shortage?
Could policies like ending plans early be considered?

How to participate:
No registration required. Join the virtual hearing on Nov. 13 at 2:00 p.m.: https://publicmeetings.wi.gov/view/b9ea2763-4d6a-4a0e-9bd7-c9bbb13ff20e
If you cannot attend, submit comments by 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 13 via:
• Email: dvrpolicyanalysts@dwd.wisconsin.gov
• Fax: 608-266-1133
• Phone: 800-442-3477

A centralized location for state agencies to post open meeting notices and meeting minutes in an effort to increase state government transparency.

11/03/2025

AT Donation available:

EasyStand Lift Evolv (like item here: https://easystand.com/product/png50084-evolv-large/)

Located in La Crosse County.

Please contact us if interested! 608-787-1111 or advocacy@ilresources.org

10/31/2025

We have fun, work hard, AND give back!

ILR staff have been collecting food items to donate to our local pantries due to November Foodshare funds not being available. So we took this Halloween opportunity to show off our costumes and soon to be donations!

Hope everyone has a happy and safe Halloween.

10/24/2025

Today ILR staff Dana and Melissa are attending the ADRC of Southwest Wisconsin Elderfest! Located at the Youth & Ag Building of the Grant County Fairgrounds. Lots of vendors, give aways, live music and free health screenings. Head on down! There until 11:30am.